The Commanding Officer has requested that you be advised of the untimely passing of former RSM, CWO (ret'd) Mike Kelly, MMM, CD on 16 August 2012 following a work related accident. Arrangements are being finalized and when confirmed, they will be communicated.

On behalf of the Regimental family, he would like to express his deepest condolences to CWO Kelly’s family.

Mike enrolled in The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada in March 1970 and followed his basic courses, advanced trade courses and leadership courses at CFB Valcartier. He was promoted to Master Corporal in 1972, appointed Lance Sergeant in 1974, Sergeant in 1976, Warrant Officer in 1979 and Master Warrant Officer in 1984. Mike was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and appointed as Regimental Sergeant Major of The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada in September 1987.

Following his term as RSM, Mike transferred to the Eastern Area Battle School at CFB Valcartier as the School CWO from September 1990, until December 1991. In January 1992 he was transferred to Quebec District Number 1 Headquarters and appointed the District Chief Warrant Officer, which he held until the new 34 Canadian Brigade Group was stood up in April 1997. He was subsequently employed as the school/standards CWO for the 34 Canadian Brigade Group School.

In January 1998, Mike was transferred to NDHQ where he reported to BGen Quinn, Reserve Advisor to the Chief of the Land Staff. In this appointment, he was responsible for NCM training and related projects. In September 1999 he was transferred to Land Forces Doctrine and Training System HQ in Kingston and was responsible for issues relating to reserve NCM career progression, individual training and course content with particular attention to leadership courses for reserves.

Mike was appointed the first Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer by the Chief of the Land Staff, LGen Leach on 1 July 2000, where he reported to BGen Herb Petras, Director General Land Reserve, regarding policies and related issues of concern for NCMs, in particular Class "A" reservists. Mike's appointment as ARCWO saw him working on issues and concerns within Land Staff Headquarters in Ottawa as well as travelling across Canada to the four Land Force Areas. He was also a member of the Command Chief Warrant Officers group, which represents all formation CWO within the Canadian Army.

Mike answered the call to duty again, accepting an appointment as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Canadian Grenadier Guards in November 2004, serving until his retirement from the Canadian Forces in 2006.

Mike married Patricia Houghton in Lahr Germany in 1976, and they have one child, Jamie Christopher Houghton Kelly.

In his spare time, Mike was involved with the Pointe Claire Amateur Soccer Association as a coach and manager for Jamie's house league team and the All-Star team. He also volunteered as a Scout Leader with the Valois United Group of Scouts Canada.

Tragically, Mike passed away on the morning of 16 August 2012 following a work-related accident.

Funeral Details

Mike’s funeral will be held at St. John Fisher Church in Pointe Claire and include a bearer party composed of both Black Watch and CGG NCOs. Following the church service, there will be a graveside service at the Field of Honour in Pointe Claire. A reception will follow the funeral in the BW Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ mess.

LOCATIONS AND TIMINGS

Visitation. Visitation will take place at Rideau Memorial Gardens
4239, boul. des Sources, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC H9B 2A6 (514) 685-3344.
Visitation Timings: Wednesday, 22 August 2012, 1400-1700hrs and 1900-2100hrs
http://rideaumemorial.com/english/Contact-Us/

Church service. Church service will take place at St. John Fisher Parish
120 Summerhill Avenue, Pointe-Claire, QC (514) 695-0205
Church Service Timings: Thursday 23 August 2012, 1100hrs
http://sjfp.org/index.htm

Graveside service. Graveside service will take place at the National Field of Honour
Located behind the Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Note: To access the Field of Honour, proceed through Lakeview following the Field of Honour signs until you reach the Remembrance Gate which enters into the Field.
701 Donegani Avenue, Pointe Claire QC H9R 5G6 (514) 866-2888 x322
Graveside Service Timings: 23 August 2012, immediately following the Church service
http://www.lastpostfund.ca/EN/foh.php

Reception. Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants Mess, The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada
2067, rue de Bleury Montreal QC H3M 2K2 (514) 496 1686
Reception Timings: 23 August 2012, following the Graveside service

DRESS

Visitation. Military personnel wishing to attend visitation in uniform will wear No. 3 DEU service dress. Retired military personnel/Regimental Association personnel may wear mufti with miniature medals.

Day of funeral service. All military personnel not part of the funeral party will wear No 1A DEU. Officers and CWOs will wear black arm bands for the church and graveside services. Retired military personnel/Regimental Association personnel may wear mufti with full-sized medals.

Reception. A reception will be held in The Black Watch Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess after the graveside service. All ranks are invited to attend.

TRANSPORT

Limited transportation will be made available for unit personnel wishing to attend. RV and timing for transport is The Black Watch Armoury, 23 0930hrs August 12. Personnel wishing to use unit transport are to contact the Black Watch Operations Warrant Officer.

CONTACT INFO

Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Plourde
Office: (514) 496-1686 – select Command Group / CO from the automated system
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Adjutant: Captain Roger Guay
Office: (514) 496-1686 – select Command Group / Adjt from the automated system
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Regimental Sergeant Major: Chief Warrant Officer Rob Unger
Office: (514) 252-2777 x6321
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